Weld versus Bolt-On sliders

[farmerjon]

I'm considering rock sliders down the road for my '98 SR5... I'd like to do off roading from time to time and rock sliders would be a huge upgrade to my rig... At the same time, I hesitate to weld something (nearly) permanent to my frame, in case I sell the vehicle or such...

Are bolt on sliders good enough to handle the weight of the vehicle?

I've read that welded on sliders are a huge pain if you want to do frame work or if one is in an accident... :roadkill: Also that weld on's can break the frame sometimes? Or that they weaken the steel because the frame has to be heated up?

I'd ideally prefer bolt ons if they are strong enough and will truly help my vehicle's rocker panels... Welded seems too permanent and has some risks?

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[tbst]

This thread... Rut row.

Weld on to me is best.

 

[kruegs]

One thing that may sway your decision... there certainly don't seem to be many options at all for bolt on sliders, and the ones that I've seen require drilling holes into the frame which would be a PITA. Who knows.

 

[farmerjon]

One thing that may sway your decision... there certainly don't seem to be many options at all for bolt on sliders, and the ones that I've seen require drilling holes into the frame which would be a PITA. Who knows.

Really? Drilling holes? That weakens the frame even more than welding, IMO... That'll shot up my plan of bolt-ons... :50cal:

 

[tbst]

Yes, the bolt on mean bolt through the hole you drill in the frame. Seems like trouble.

 

[farmerjon]

Yes, the bolt on mean bolt through the hole you drill in the frame. Seems like trouble.

See, I thought perhaps bolt ons were better, mainly because you could bolt through EXISTING holes... guess not. Good to know...

Any disadvantadges of weld ons? besides what I already listed?

 

[the great him]

i welded mine on, and yeah it can be a pain of you ever need to do any body work, but if its going to a shop, then its not really your problem. bolt ons can be a pain to deal with though too... bolts can losen up and cause issues their too... or the nuts can rust and basically become welded on. also if you bent a bolt by catching it on a rock, it might be easier and less hassle to just weld it. as fare as welding damaging the frame from heat, ehh idk i suppose it could be an issue. but i have wheeled my rig pretty hard and been hard on my sliders, and neither them nor the frame have broken or cracked or show any signs of fatigue. i say their is no harm in having them welded on.

 

[IanB]

Weld on is better IMO. No bolts to come loose, no holes to drill, they become part of the frame which adds not only protection, but also strength.